Separation anxiety in pets is some kind of behavior your pet does when left alone, it is more common in dogs than cats, in this blog we will discuss all about this behavior. 

What is separation anxiety in pets? 

Separation anxiety occurs when your pet, especially the dog that is very related to you, gets extremely stressed when left alone.

 It is more than the little whining when you leave or the mischief while you are out, separation anxiety is a serious condition and one of the main reasons that the owner gets disappointed with his dog and gives it up.

It is also known as separation-related behavior (SRB), and research suggests that eight out of 10 dogs find it hard to cope when left alone.

Causes of separation related-behavior

As a pet owner, before feeling sad or frustrated by your dog’s behavior, you should first understand why the dog acts this way. 

 Causes of separation anxiety in pets including the following:

• Being left alone for the first time or after they get used to people. 
• Change of ownership. 
• Moving from a shelter to a home. 
• Change in family routine or schedule. 
• Loss of a family member. 
• Never  its owner taught it  how to deal with being alone. 
• Possible genetic component. 
• shortage of socialization through its critical development period as a puppy. 

Symptoms of Separation Anxiety 

The most common signs of separation anxiety in pets, especially in dogs are:

• Destructive behavior: this behavior can be observed often near exits, doors or windows, and it includes chewing and destroying furniture. 
• Vocalization as whining, howling and barking. 
• Toileting peeing or pooping. 
• Exaggerated excitement upon the owner’s return. 

Other less common signs include:

• Panting and trembling. 
• Too much salivation. 
• Self-injury as a sign of tail biting, licking, excessive or scrape.
• Repetitive behavior as circling, barking or pacing. 
• Vomiting. 
• Refused to eat its meals, and treats or engage with food toys when the owner is out. 

What is the difference between separation anxiety and other health issues? 

Because separation anxiety is a behavioral disorder, there is no specific test your veterinarian can use to diagnose the condition.

Descriptions and indoor videos of your dog’s behavior are the most helpful in helping the vet identify and evaluate symptoms that occur in your absence. 

One of the main differences between separation anxiety in pets and other disorders is that these behaviors only occur before or after the owner leaves. 

The presence of other health issues can cause or contribute to the worsening of separation anxiety behavior, and If you are worried, visit your vet.

How to treat separation anxiety in pets 

First, you need to talk to your vet to set aside any medical problems, then you can cooperate with the vet to make a treatment plan, and the separation anxiety treatment includes the following:

If the problem is mild try the following:

• Give the dog a special treat each time you leave as a puzzle toy stuffed with peanut butter, you should give it this treat only when you go out, and take it away when you get home.
• Reduce your comings and goings greeting, and try to Ignore your dog for the first few minutes after you get home.
• Leave some clothes out that have recently worn that smell like you.
• Give your dog some over-the-counter natural calming supplements.

If the problem is more serious, you can try the following:

• A dog with intense anxiety will not be distracted with ease, you will need to get it used to your absence stepwise.
• It may start to get nervous when it sees the signs that you are about to leave, such as wearing your shoes or picking up your keys. 
• Do those things, but then don’t leave, put on your shoes after that, sit down at the table, Pick up your keys and then watch TV, try to do this over and over many times a day.
• When the dog starts to feel less concerned about that, you can start to disappear slowly. First, just go on the other side of the door and then ask your dog to stay, then close an inside door between you. 
• Reappear after a few seconds, increase the amount of time you are gone gradually, repeat these steps many times, put on your shoes and pick up your keys then ask the dog to stay while you go into another room.
• When the dog gets more used to the “stay game,” increase the amount of time you’re gone, and then use an outside door, but use a different door than when you go out every day. 
• Always make sure your dog is relaxed before you leave, you are the only one who can tell if your dog is ready to be left alone for longer periods. 
• Don’t rush things, your dog will need time to get used, build up the time gradually until you can leave the house for a few minutes and then you can stay away for longer and longer periods.

How can you prevent separation anxiety in pets? 

The only way to prevent separation anxiety in pets is by training them while they are still puppies or kittens to feel comfortable when you leave them alone. 

First, you will need to train your pet to feel secure and safe in their crate, by stuffing the crate full of its favorite chews and toys to make it a welcoming and fun place. 

Then you can start training your pet to feel relieved being left alone in its crate and that by leaving the room for a short while, then giving the pet a small gift just immediately before you go out. 

 Lengthen the time you spend out of the room gradually, and after all your pet should feel comfortable being in its crate on its own. 

To conclude, Separation anxiety in pets is considered as the equal of a panic attack in kids as they suddenly feel fear and stress, when the parents go out and leave them alone. 

It will take time and effort to train the pet to gradually separate, and bear in mind though that separation anxiety isn’t preventable in every case, as every pet is different.

 And even a well-trained pet may begin to exhibit signs of separation anxiety later in life, possibly as a result of a traumatic event.

how to control separation anxiety in my rescue pet

One of the most common challenges that many rescue dogs face is separation anxiety, due to their past experiences, but with the owner’s understanding, patience, and consistent training, separation anxiety can be managed effectively. 

Focusing on desensitization gradually is the best way to address separation anxiety in rescue dogs. 

You can start by leaving the dog alone for short periods and bit by bit you can increase the time, this will help your dog build confidence and trust in your return.

You should make sure you have created a safe space for your dog, try to designate a comfortable and secure area for your dog when you are not home, for example, a crate or a specific room full of toys and bedding.

Dogs succeed in routine, so try creating a schedule your dog can become familiar with, for example, consistency in feeding, walking, and going out cues help reduce anxiety.

Ensure the dog gets daily exercise and mental stimulation sufficiently, as a tired dog is less likely to expose stress. 

You will need to associate your leaving with positive experiences such as offering treats or toys exclusively when you leave. 

pet separation anxiety in humans

Pets are human’s best friend, which is why pets and humans can build bullet-proof bonds, the only crash to these bonds is when separation anxiety creeps in. 

Here’s a sense of what situations may provoke separation anxiety in pets from their humans and of course when humans are separated from their pets. 

It is a particularly challenging time for people who only live with their pets, in case their workplace is pet-friendly then it’s a win-win situation, but if not of course this can certainly take some adjusting. 

If the owner suffers from physical or mental illness it means that he must take time out in the hospital or at home alone to recover, this may have a mental effect on him when he needs emotional support from his pet.

Another situation that provokes separation anxiety in humans when separated from their pets is going to university! Some young adults find it very difficult, they always need a hug on the sofa with their adorable pet.

Overall it is very normal and common for humans to also feel just as separation anxiety about leaving their pet friends

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